South Africa Digital Nomad Visa — 2025 Update

Nadia Dardón

Immigration Content Writer

Last update 11 July, 2025

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South Africa Rating from Citizen Remote

Overall 3.6

Internet Infrastructure 4.0

Country Stability 2.0

Cost of Living 5.0

Ease of Obtaining Visa 4.0

Taxes 3.0

Quick Visa Facts

Visa length Up to 1 year (12 months)

Possible to extend? Yes, the visa is renewable for up to 36 months (3 years)

Who can apply? Remote workers and digital nomads employed by or contracted to foreign companies outside South Africa.

Minimum Income Requirements R1,000,000 per year (approx. USD $55,000)

Time for visa applications Varies by embassy/consulate, but typically 4–8 weeks after submission of all required documents

Want to know if you can apply?

Complete a visa quiz and see if you qualify!

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If you’ve ever dreamed of swapping your home office for views of Table Mountain or working remotely from a beachside café in Cape Town, South Africa’s new Digital Nomad Visa might be exactly what you’re looking for. This visa is designed for remote workers and freelancers who want to live in South Africa while working for clients or companies abroad.

Whether you’re coding from coworking hubs in Johannesburg, writing from a vineyard in Stellenbosch, or designing from Durban’s coastline, this visa opens the door to experiencing South Africa’s vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and affordable lifestyle, without giving up your career.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa: who it’s for, how to apply, what documents you’ll need, and what to expect once you're there.

South Africa Digital Nomad Visa Overview

The South African Digital Nomad Visa allows individuals to reside in South Africa for up to 36 months (3 years) while working remotely for a foreign employer or operating as a self-employed professional. The visa is initially issued for 12 months and is renewable annually, allowing a total stay of up to three years, provided you continue to meet the eligibility criteria.

South Africa’s Digital Nomad Visa officially entered the Immigration Regulations framework on 28 March 2024, but it was not immediately put into practice. It wasn’t until March 2025 that applications officially opened, marking the visa’s practical implementation.

This visa offers remote workers a legal and streamlined pathway to live in South Africa while working for clients or companies based abroad. It was introduced as part of the country’s broader strategy to attract global talent and revitalize local tourism and service sectors post-pandemic.

Unlike traditional work visas, the Digital Nomad Visa is tailored specifically for location-independent professionals who earn their income outside of South Africa. This makes it an ideal choice for freelancers, remote employees, digital entrepreneurs, and online business owners seeking a long-term stay without the complexities of a South African work permit.

Who Is It For?

The Digital Nomad Visa is designed for:

Remote employees working for companies based outside South Africa.
Freelancers or consultants with international clients.
Digital entrepreneurs who are running online businesses abroad.

To qualify, applicants must meet a minimum monthly income threshold (set by the Department of Home Affairs), hold valid health insurance, and prove their employment or business is based outside South Africa.

What Does It Allow You to Do?

Holders of the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa can:

Live in South Africa legally while working remotely.
Stay for up to one year, with the possibility of renewal.
Travel freely within the country during their stay.
Apply with dependents (spouse and children).

However, you are not allowed to work for South African employers or provide services to South African clients while on this visa.

South Africa Digital Nomad Visa Requirements

To apply for the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa, you'll need to gather and submit several standard documents, along with a few visa-specific requirements. Here’s a breakdown of what’s typically required, based on the latest information available from official sources and immigration experts.

Completed South African Temporary Residence Visa Application Form (DHA-1738)
Valid passport (must be valid for at least 30 days after your intended departure date and contain at least two blank pages)
Two passport-sized photographs (in line with South African photo specifications)
A cover letter detailing your reason for applying and the intended duration of stay
Proof of residential address in South Africa (hotel booking, lease agreement, or host invitation letter)
A police clearance certificate from each country where you’ve lived for more than 12 months in the past 5 years
A medical report (Form BI-811) and a radiological report (Form BI-806)
Payment of the applicable visa fee
Copies of any relevant marriage or birth certificates (if applying with dependents)

Proof of Financial Self-Sufficiency

To qualify, you must prove that you earn a minimum gross income of ZAR 1 million per year (approximately USD $55,000). This income must be generated from a foreign employer, clients, or business, not from any South African source.

Accepted proof includes:

Employment contracts or letters from foreign employers.
Bank statements showing consistent income.
Tax returns or payslips confirming earnings.
Invoices and payment confirmations (for freelancers or consultants).

Private Health Insurance

Applicants must show proof of valid health insurance that will cover their medical expenses while living in South Africa. The policy must be valid for the entire duration of your stay and should include emergency care.

Make sure your health insurance:

It is internationally recognized and accepted in South Africa.
Includes coverage for outpatient and inpatient treatment,
Covers all accompanying family members (if applicable).

Travel insurance is not accepted; it must be long-term residency health insurance. You can find our recommendations for the best health insurance plans for digital nomads here.

How to Apply for the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa: Step-by-Step Instructions

Applying for the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa is a straightforward process, but it’s important to follow the correct steps and prepare all your documents in advance. Here’s how to submit your application:

Step 1: Confirm You Meet the Eligibility Criteria

Before you begin, make sure you:

Work remotely for a foreign employer or clients.
Earn at least ZAR 1 million per year, gross. (approximately USD $55,800)
Hold valid private health insurance.
Have a valid passport with at least two blank pages.
Do not intend to work for South African companies

If you meet these requirements, you can proceed with your application.

Step 2: Gather All Required Documents

Collect all the necessary documents, including:

Completed DHA-1738 visa application form
Valid passport
Passport-sized photos
Proof of income from abroad
Proof of accommodation in South Africa
Police clearance certificate(s)
Medical and radiological reports
Proof of health insurance
Visa application fee payment
Supporting documents for any accompanying family members

Step 3: Book an Appointment at a South African Mission

You must apply for the Digital Nomad Visa in person at the South African embassy, consulate, or visa application center in your country of residence. You cannot apply within South Africa unless otherwise authorized.

Visit the official website of the South African mission in your country.
Book an appointment for visa submission.
Check if the embassy uses a third-party visa service provider (e.g., VFS Global).

Step 4: Submit Your Application

Attend your appointment and submit:

All completed forms and documents.
Biometric data (fingerprints and photographs).
Your visa application fee.

Make sure all documents are originals or certified copies, and bring extra photocopies if possible.

Step 5: Wait for Processing

Visa processing times can vary, but typically take 4–8 weeks, depending on the mission’s workload. You may be asked to submit additional documents or attend a follow-up interview.

Step 6: Receive Your Visa and Travel to South Africa

If approved, your visa will be stamped into your passport. Once issued, you can travel to South Africa and begin your stay as a digital nomad.

How Much Does the South African Digital Nomad Visa Cost?

The base application fee for the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa is R425 (around USD  $23), payable to the Department of Home Affairs when you submit your application. If you're applying through a visa facilitation center such as VFS Global, you’ll also need to pay an additional service fee, which usually ranges from USD $50 to $100, depending on your location. Some centers also offer premium lounge services for added convenience, which may cost about R500 (roughly USD  $27), but this is entirely optional.

Beyond the official application fees, you should also budget for supporting documents. You’ll need to obtain police clearance certificates from every country you've lived in for 12 months or more over the past five years. These can cost anywhere from USD $10 to $50, depending on the country. You’ll also need to complete a medical report and a radiological report, which may cost approximately USD $50–150 if done privately. If any of your documents are not in English, you may need to pay for official translations or certifications, which vary in cost depending on the service provider.

Altogether, most applicants can expect to spend between USD $150 and $300 in total on application-related costs. This estimate includes the visa fee, facilitation charges, medical and police documents, and miscellaneous processing expenses, but does not include travel, health insurance, legal advice, or initial living costs in South Africa.

Taxes for People With a South African Digital Nomad Visa

One of the biggest questions for remote workers considering South Africa is whether they’ll be taxed locally. The short answer is: not necessarily, but it depends on your residency status and how long you stay.

Under South African tax law, individuals are generally considered tax residents if they are physically present in the country for more than 183 days in any 12 months, including at least 91 continuous days. Once you meet this threshold, you could be subject to tax on your worldwide income, not just income earned in South Africa.

However, the Digital Nomad Visa was designed to attract foreign remote workers who earn income from non-South African sources. If you stay less than 183 days in 12 months, or if you structure your stay to avoid becoming a tax resident, you may not be liable for South African income tax, especially if you're still considered a tax resident in your home country and have no local income.

To support this setup, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs and National Treasury have proposed measures to exempt digital nomads from registering with the South African Revenue Service (SARS). As long as their income is foreign-sourced and they comply with visa conditions. However, as of mid-2025, some tax regulations are still being finalized, so applicants should monitor any updates closely.

In summary:

You may not need to pay tax in South Africa if your income is foreign-sourced, and you don't become a tax resident.
Staying under 183 days in 12 months is generally the safest way to avoid tax residency.
If you’re unsure, it’s a good idea to consult a tax advisor familiar with South African and international tax laws to ensure full compliance.

Living in South Africa as a Digital Nomad

South Africa offers an unbeatable mix of lifestyle, scenery, and value, making it an increasingly popular choice for remote workers. From vibrant cities like Cape Town and Johannesburg to coastal gems like Durban or the Garden Route, you’ll find coworking spaces, reliable internet, and a growing community of freelancers, tech workers, and entrepreneurs. The cost of living is relatively affordable compared to other major nomad hubs, allowing digital nomads to enjoy a high quality of life. Whether that means working from a beachside café, hiking in the Drakensberg, or exploring world-class wine regions after hours.

Day-to-day life is easy to settle into, especially in urban centers where infrastructure and amenities are strong. English is widely spoken, which removes language barriers, and many areas have modern apartments, shopping centers, and international cuisine. Just be mindful of safety and healthcare. South Africa has both public and private healthcare systems, but most digital nomads opt for comprehensive international insurance. With good planning and awareness, living in South Africa as a digital nomad can be not only comfortable but genuinely inspiring.

Best Cities to Live in South Africa

South Africa is a geographically and culturally diverse country, offering digital nomads a wide range of lifestyle options. Whether you're looking for urban energy, coastal relaxation, or natural beauty, these three cities consistently stand out:

Cape Town

Often ranked among the most beautiful cities in the world, Cape Town is a top choice for digital nomads. With its stunning beaches, Table Mountain views, lively café culture, and fast-growing tech and startup scene, it offers an ideal blend of work and play. You'll find excellent coworking spaces, reliable Wi-Fi, and plenty of activities—from surfing and hiking to wine tasting in nearby Stellenbosch. The lifestyle is laid-back, yet cosmopolitan.

Johannesburg

As South Africa’s economic powerhouse, Johannesburg (or "Joburg") is perfect for digital nomads who thrive in dynamic, urban environments. The city has a vibrant arts and music scene, a diverse food culture, and some of the best infrastructure in the country. It's also a great base if you plan to explore more of southern Africa, with OR Tambo International Airport offering excellent flight connections. While safety should be considered, many neighborhoods like Rosebank and Sandton are modern, secure, and ideal for remote work.

Durban

For a more relaxed coastal lifestyle with warm weather year-round, Durban is a fantastic alternative. It boasts beautiful beaches, a subtropical climate, and a rich blend of Zulu, Indian, and colonial influences. While it’s less international than Cape Town or Johannesburg, Durban is more affordable, less crowded, and increasingly appealing to digital nomads looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience. It’s a great spot if you value a slower pace without sacrificing modern comforts.

Cost of Living

The official currency of South Africa is the South African rand (ZAR). 1 ZAR = approximately  USD $0.0524

The average net monthly salary in South Africa is around R 18,098, which equates to approximately USD $948 .

Here’s a rundown of what you should expect to pay in different cities:

Cape Town

Rent (1 bedroom in city centre): $774 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city centre): $996 per month
Basic Utilities: $96 per month
Wi‑Fi (60 Mbps unlimited): $42 per month
Public Transport (one‑way ticket): $1.10
Groceries (2 people): $300–600 per month

Johannesburg

Rent (1 bedroom in city centre): $412 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city centre): $657 per month
Basic Utilities: $72 per month
Wi‑Fi (60 Mbps unlimited): $39–44 per month
Public Transport (one‑way ticket): $1.62
Groceries (2 people): $250–500 per month

Durban

Rent (1 bedroom in city centre): $347 per month
Rent (3 bedrooms outside city centre): $550 per month
Basic Utilities: $136 per month
Wi‑Fi (60 Mbps unlimited): $36 per month
Public Transport (one‑way ticket): $1.66
Groceries (2 people): $320–640 per month

FAQs

Can I bring my spouse or children on the Digital Nomad Visa?

Yes, you can apply to bring dependents such as your spouse or children. However, they must submit their own supporting documentation (like birth or marriage certificates), and additional visa fees may apply. Make sure to check with the South African consulate or visa processing center for the most up-to-date family application requirements.

Do I need to pay tax in South Africa if I’m on a Digital Nomad Visa?

Not necessarily. If you stay in South Africa for less than 183 days in any 12-month period, you generally won’t be considered a tax resident and won’t be taxed on your foreign income. However, tax laws are subject to change, and you should consult with a tax advisor familiar with international residency and South African tax rules.

Can I work for a South African company while on this visa?

No. The Digital Nomad Visa is strictly for remote workers employed by or contracted to companies outside of South Africa. It does not permit you to take up local employment or freelance for South African businesses.

How long is the visa valid for?

As of 2025, the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa allows for a stay of up to one year, with the possibility of renewal depending on the specific regulations and your ongoing eligibility. Always confirm with the consulate before applying.

Is it easy to get mobile data and internet access in South Africa?

Yes. Major cities like Cape Town, Johannesburg, and Durban offer reliable internet and mobile coverage. SIM cards with prepaid data are widely available, and most digital nomads use providers like Vodacom, MTN, or Rain for both mobile and home data plans.

Can I get help applying for the South Africa Digital Nomad Visa?

If you need help applying for a visa, you can talk to Citizen Remote. Get specific advice from one of our experts, or outsource the entire application to our team.

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